Diolch. On Sunday 2 July, The Sunday Times launched its campaign calling on the UK Government to act now on asbestos. The cross-party campaign is calling on the UK Government to develop a national plan for the removal of all asbestos over the next 40 years. Asbestos was banned in new buildings in the UK in 1999, but, according to Airtight on Asbestos, which campaigns for its removal, more than 6 million tonnes of it may still be found in as many as 1.5 million buildings throughout the UK. Sir Stephen Timms, the MP and chairman of the House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee, conducted an inquiry into asbestos last year, which said: 

'When you mention asbestos to most people, they tend to think it was a problem of the past that’s been dealt with. When you tell them it’s still all around us, they’re surprised. When you tell them it’s the UK’s biggest work-related killer, they’re shocked. And when you tell them it’s in most of our schools, they tend to become worried.'

First Minister, more than 5,000 people a year are still dying from diseases caused by asbestos, primarily mesothelioma. The period between being exposed to the inhalation of asbestos fibres and developing symptoms ranges from 10 to 50 years. So, what further representations will the Welsh Government make to the UK Government after its complete refusal to acquiesce to a 40-year programme of removal of asbestos from all non-commercial buildings and to establish a national register of all with asbestos in situ and a record of its condition? Because none of us in this Senedd can rest whilst any Welsh public building remains riddled with latent killer materials that could potentially take the lives of Welsh citizens in the years ahead.

First Minister, what are the Welsh Government's ambitions and plans for dealing with this ongoing public health emergency in Wales, and would you be willing to meet with me to discuss this vital issue?